The  design  and  benefits  of  Instrumental 
Musick. 


CONSIDERED    IN    A 


SERMON, 

Delivered  at  Lebanon  Goshen,  May  7,   1807- 

On  the  occafion  of  having  an  Organ  introduced  as 
an  aid  in  t  he  worship  and  melody  of  God's  houfe. 


BY  WILLIAM  LYMAN,  A.  M. 

OS    EAST-HADDAM. 


"  Awake  up,  my  glory ,  awake  psalter  and harp  :  I  myself' 
'  "  -will  awake  early. 
"  Praise  him  with  stringed  instilments  and  organs" 

Psalmist* 


NEW-LOXDOM, 

rRiKi'ED  nr  edenezer  pf  cadT, 


AT  a  meeting  of  the  proprietors  of 
the  Organ  used  in  public  worship  in 
the  society  <of  Goshen  in  Lebanon,  held 
in  said  society  on  the  1 1th  day  of  May, 

1807. 

Voted,  That  Mess.  Dyar  T.  Hinck- 
ley and  Erastus  Osgood,  be  a  commit- 
tee, to  present  the  thanks  of  said  pro- 
prietors to  the  Rev.  William  Lyman, 
for  his  Sermon  delivered  on  the  7th 
instant  ;  on  the^  occasion  of  the  in- 
troduction of  said  Organ  into  public 
worship,  and  request  a  copy  thereof 
for  the  press. 

A  true  copy, 

Attest,  JOHN  SHAPLEY, 

Clerk  to  said  proprietor's . 


TO    THE    READER. 

X  HE  author  makes  no  pretensions  to  a  thorough 
investigation  or  accurate  discussion  of  the  subject  brought 
to  view  in  the  following  pages  ;  and  he  assures  the  public, 
that  if  his  own  mind  had  been  uninfluenced  by  the  opinion 
of  others  in  whose  judgment  he  confides  the  discourse  here 
presented,  would  never  have  come  before  them  in  its  pre- 
sent form.  Inaccuracies  of  method,  style  and  sentiment,  he 
request  may  be  viewed  with  an  jndulgent  eye,  by  the  candid, 
reader.. 

If  the  cause  of  truth  is  advocated,  he  hopes  it  may  re- 
ceive support  from  some  abler  pen  ;  if  any  thing  hurtful  to 
"  pure  religion,"  and  evangelical  godliness,  is  stated,  he 
begs  it  may  not  be  construed  to  derogate  from  the  sobriety 
and  spirituality  of  christian  worship.  He  will  be  wounded 
in  the  deepest  manner  if  it  is  found  to  be  incompatible  with 
the  glory  of  God,  which  he  is  bound,  and  should  labour 
above  all  things  to  promote. 


WJff?m  W 


^<rfii 


w  f 


SERMON. 


ZECHARIAH,  XIV,  20. 

/n  t/ta?  day  shall  there  be  upon  the  bells  of  the  horses.  Ho- 
liness unto  the  Lord. 

\ 

X  HAT  there  is  coming  a  time  when  religion  shall 
be  in  a  resplendant  and  triumphant  state  upon  earth,  is  a 
doctrine  supported  by  the  uniform  testimony  of  the  ancient 
Prophets.  This  time  and  the  blessings  of  it,  they  describe 
in  figurative  language,  and  give  elevation  to  the  hopes  and 
joys  of  good  people. 

A  variety  of  particulars,  as  prognostic  of  this  day  and  as 
evidential  of  its  actual  commencement  they  enumerate. 
Among  other  things,  the  prophet  from  whose  writings 
have  been  selected  tl*  words  of  the  text,  states  that  there 
shall  be  an  almost  universal  consecration  to  God,  not  only 
of  men,  but  of  implements  and  articles  of  use  in  common 
life.  This  I  gather  from  what  he  asserts  in  a  particular  case 
noticed  in  the  words  which  have  been  read.  If  on  "  the  bells 
of  horses"  those  signals  of  business  or  pleasure  shall  be 
written  or  engraven,  "  Holiness  unto  the  Lord"  then  every 
less  inferior  instrument  may  be  expected  to  share  the  like 
consecration.  Arguing  from  the  less  to  the  greater,  we  are 
authorised  in  the  conclusion,  that  all  the  implements  of  war, 
all  the  utensils  of  husbandry,  together  with  all  the  Various 
productions  of  art,  shall  be  devoted  to  religious  purposes  ; 
and  be  employed  only  as  they  are  made  subservient  to  the. 
glory  of  God.  Too  often,  alas  !  at  present,  the  members 
of  our  bodies,  and  all  the  implements  they  are  capable  of 
using,  become  the  instruments  of  unrighteousness  unto  sin  ; 
but  then,  the  corporeal  organs,  the  mental  faculties,  and  the 
whole  catalogue  of  objects  with  which  they  have  connection, 
shall  be  on  the  side  of  Christ,  and  occupied  as  his  gospel  re- 
quires.    This  being  the  case,  it  is  easy  and  natural  to  suppose 


(     6     ) 

that  instruments  of  musick,  even  those  which  have  loflgBecn 
devoted  to  other  purposes,  and  considered  as  the  signals  of 
carnal  merriment,  shall  all  be  enrolled  among  those  articles 
on  which  shall  be  inscribed,  u  Holiness  unto  the  Lord."  I 
have  little  doubt,  my  brethren,  that  in  the  Millenium,  to 
which,  I  suppose,  the  words  of  the  text  have  reference, 
there  will  be  a  surrendcry  to  the  service  and  benefit  of  the 
church  of  many  things  which  arc  now  employed  lor  the  vilest 
purposes.  The  timbrel,  harp,  and  violin,  instead  of  waking 
to  all  the  joys  of  sensual  merriment,  and  enlivening  the  giddy 
throng  in  the  airy  mazes  of  nocturnal  hilarity,  shall  capti- 
vate, warm  and  enrapture  the  soul  of  piety — shall  stir  up 
the  most  devotional  sensations  in  the  breasts  of  the  godiv, 
and  cause  the  hearts  of  those  who  love  God  to  leap  for  joy, 
and  to  burst  forth  in  the  language  of  praise. 

The  Organ  is  a  noble  instrument  which  hath  generally 
been  considered  as  among  those  which  are  sacred  to  the  use 
of  the  church  :  and  though,  according  to  Job,  it  hath  been 
found  in  the  service  of  those  who  "  send  forth,  their  little 
"  ones  like  a  jloek,  and  rvhose  children  dance — who  spend 
"  their  days  in  wealth,  and  in  a  moment  go  down  to  the 
"  grave"  yet  it  hath  not  usually  been  ranked  with  the  in- 
centives to  carnal  mirth.  We  find  it  in  use  with  a  respecta- 
ble class  of  christian  worshippers,  in  main'  of  their  churches  j 
and,  by  degrees,  gaining  admission  into  the  temples  of  those 
who  are  of  a  different  denomination.  Though  my  opinion 
is  not  to  be  a  rule  in  this  case,  yet  for  myself  I  can  say,  I 
should  rejoice  if  the  time  were  come  when  this  and  other 
instruments  of  Musick,  shall  be  taken  from  the  perverted 
use  to  which  they  seem  destined,  and  made  the  sweeteners. 
and  the  enliveners  of  God's  worship.  In  that  da//,  ol  which 
the  prophet  speaks  in  my  text,  it  is  believed  something  of 
this  kind  shall  be  witnessed  ;  and  in  a  much  higher  degree 
than  is,  at  present,  generally  imagined.  I  shall  briefly  can- 
vass this  matter,  and  give  the  reasons  why  I  am  comforted 
with  such  a  hope. 

I.  Let  us  consider  the  design  of  instrumental  Musick,  and 
the  purposes  to  be  answered  by  it. 

II.  The  objections  which  lie  against  it. 

III.  The  benefits  to  be  derived  from  it. 

IV.  What  reason  there  is  to  expect  that  in  due  time  these 
benefits  will  be  realized  by  the  church,  and  music  of  this 
kind  go  into  universal  use. 


(   r   ) 

If  any  are  at  a  loss  to  know  how  I  get  at  these  ideas  from 
the  text,  I  would  inform  them,  that  when  the  prophet  speaks 
of  having  u  upon  the  bells  of  the  horses,  Holiness  t/nto  the 
Lord"  I  do  not  suppose  he  has  reference  to  this  article  on- 
ly, but  to  all  others  which  may  he  considered  of  equal  or 
superior  importance.  The  idea,  I  conceive,  very  naturally, 
is  this  ;  that,  at  the  time  referred  to,  there  shall  be  an  uni- 
versal consecration  even  of  the  common  implements  of  life, 
not  excepting  the  very  article  here  mentioned  ;  which  may 
be  deemed  an  appendage,  or  an  almost  useless  superfluity. 
Bells  of  horses  are  used,  either  as  an  ornament,  or  as  sig- 
nals of  approach  ;  and  they  denote  that  persons  are  on  busi- 
ness or  pleasure.  In  the  clay  spoken  of  in  the  text,  when 
these  shall  be  heard,  it  will  be  a  warning,  either  that  persons 
are  going  to  attend  some  religious  meeting,  or*  are  engaged 
in  some  lawful  employment  which  is  wholly  subservient  to 
the  divine  glory.  In  this  case,  no  noisy,  jovial,  drunken  meet- 
ings shall  be  announced  by  these  harbingers  of  an  approach- 
ing part}- ;  but  the  purposes  of  religious  intercourse,  and  re- 
ligious service  shall  in  this  way  be  promoted.  On  this  ac- 
count, the  language  of  the  text  is  justified.  In  allusion  to 
this,  it  doubtless  was,  that  our  pious  forefathers  so  frequent- 
ly petitioned  in  their  prayers,  that  u  Holiness  to  the  Lord" 
might  be  written  on  all  the  enjoyments  and  employments  of 
life.  This  construction,  in  my  apprehension,  gives  support 
to  the  use  it  is  proposed  to  make  of  the  passage  in  reference 
to  instrumental  Musick.  These,  with  other  things,  shall  be 
devoted  or  consecrated  to  God.     Let  us  then,  as  proposed, 

I.  Enquire  into  their  design. — One  general  idea  belongs 
to  this,  in  common  with  vocal  musick.  The  design  of  both 
is  to  produce  agreeable  and  lively  sensations  within.  We 
find  that  musick  of  some  kind  or  other  is  agreeable  to  most 
people  ;  and,  on  certain  persons,  it  has  a  surprising  opera- 
tion. It  charms,  elevates  and  enraptures  their  souls.  They 
seem  on  the  pinnacle  of  delight,  when  melod}'  and  harmony 
of  sound  salute  their  ears.  These  persons  are,  generally, 
fond  of  variety  ;  and  though  vocal  musick,  when  well  per- 
formed, carries  them  almost  into  the  regions  of  extacy,  yet 
their  satisfaction  is  encreased  when  vou  blend  with  it  that 
species  which  is  termed  instrumental.-  Both  together,  suit- 
ably proportioned,  and  on  the  string  of  harmony,  have  a 
wonderful  effect.  They  remove  gloom,  despondency  and 
deadness  from  the  soul.     They  put  every  faculty  on  the 


C     8     ) 

stretch  of  exercise,  and  cause  the  joyful  feelings  to  hold  a 
complete  ascendency.  Of  course,  they  leave  the  soul  in  a 
very  placid,  serene,  and  joyful  state.  The  power  of  mu- 
sick, in  certain  cases,  is  almost  beyond  credibility.  It  is 
used  medicinally  for  disorders  of  body  and  mind.  For  the 
bite  of  the  Tarantula,  which  is  very  poisonous,  this  hath 
been  said  to  be  a  sovereign  remedy*.  Glooms  and  derange- 
ment of  mind  arc  frequently  removed  by  it.  There  is  a 
species  of  dementation  or  frantic  madness,  for  the  cure  of 
which  musick  is  found  to  be  very  efficacious.  You  will  re- 
collect the  case  of  Saul,  king  of  Israel,  when  he  fell  under 
the  displeasure  of  heaven,  and  u  an  evil  spirit  from  the  Lord 
troubled  him."  His  servants  seemed  to  understand  his  com- 
plaint and  the  proper  remedy.  Their  advice,  therefore,  was 
to  "  seek  out  a  man  who  is  a  cunning  player  on  an  harp" 
It  fell  to  the  lot  of  David  to  be  the  physician,  on  this  music- 
al plan.  In  the  paroxysms  of  his  disorder,  to  frequent  re- 
turns of  which  the  king  was  subject,  David  applied  this  rc- 
medv  with  success.  M  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  evil 
"  spirit  from  God  was  upon  Saul,  that  David  took  an  harp 
u  and  played  with  his  hand  :  so  Saul  was  refreshed  and  was 
'*  well,  and  the  evil  spirit  departed  from  him." 

But  aside  from  these  extraordinary  instances,  there  are 
uses  of  a  more  common  description.  And  these  are  such  as 
apply  to  the  feelings  of  the  heart.  Warm  affections  are  ex- 
cited— lively  emotions  are  produced,  and  an  animated  devo- 
tion takes  place  as  the  effect.  Those  must  be  upon  a  frigid 
and  torpid  scale,  who  are  not  moved  by  well-timed  and  sym- 
phonious  musick.  One  design  of  this  art  is  to  assuage  grief 
and  drive  away  sorrow  :  and  in  this  way  it  is,  often,  highly 
salutary  to  both  body  and  mind.  While  trouble  and  dis- 
tress operate  to  dry  the  bones  and  drink  up  the  soirits,  songs 
well  adapted,  serve  to  tranquilize  the  mind,  and  restore  to 
their  proper  tone  the  suspended  functions  of  nature.  But  in 
religious  service,  it  is  of  peculiar,  and  perhaps  the  highest 
utilitv.  It  is  intermingled  with  other  services  to  keep  up  the 
attention,  and  enliven  the  worship.  It  is  a  proper  method 
in  which  to  express  and  chant  forth  the  praises  of  God. 
By  the  aid  of  vocal  and  instrumental  musick,  such  a  sound 
is  produced  as  lias  the  most  pleasing  and  salutary  influence 
on  the  mind.     Though   vocal  musick  in  its  perfection  is  to 


•f  It  -will  not  be  understood  that  the  author  designs  to  assert  the  fact. 


(     9     ) 

be  preferred,  yet  instrumental  is  calculated  to  have  th*e  same 
operation  :  and  where  the  state  of  the  affections  is  right,  to 
put  them  on  the  highest  and  sweetest  key.  All  nature 
seems  to  rejoice  in  musick  ;  and,  during  the  present  season, 
the  warbling  songsters  flit  through  the  air,  filling  the  atmos- 
phere with  variegated  and  enchanting  melody.  These 
winged  choristers  perform  with  the  utmost  correctness  ;  and 
it  is  pleasure  to  awake  and  hear  their  matin  notes  of  praise. 
By  the  art  of  man,  taught  from  heaven,  mute  instruments 
are  made  to  join  the  melody,  and  aid  the  rapture.  On  dif- 
ferent principles,  and  with  an  almost  infinite  variety  of 
sounds  they  are  constructed,  but  all  calculated  to  come 
within  the  scale  of  harmony,  and  tending  to  produce  the 
happiest  effect.  The  pensive,  the  cheerful  and  the  solemn 
strain  are  occasionally  employed,  and  all  uniting  to  compose, 
exhilerate,  and  render  seraphical,  the  soul  of  man.  This, 
more  than  any  thing  else,  tends  to  produce  affinity  with  an- 
gels, and  to  prepare  for  bearing  a  part  in  their  celestial  ser* 
vices. 

Let  us  now  consider  as  proposed,  II.  The  objections 
which  lie  against  instrumental  musick  in  particular.  You 
will  say,  perhaps,  I  have  taken  too  much  for  granted.;  and 
have  too  much  blended  together  vocal  and  instrumental  mu- 
sick, in  their  supposed  design  and  effects.  If  it  is  sound 
which  produces  the  effect,  and  this  sound  consists  in  a  par- 
ticular modulation  of  the  air,  I  see  not  of  what  consequence 
it  is,  whether  occasioned  by  the  motion  of  bodily  organs,  or 
by  chords,  pipes,  and  apertures  in  instruments.  Who  will 
say,  it  is  not  as  conducive  to  the  purposes  of  piety  to  have 
the  musick  of  an  organ,  as  of  an  infidel,  profane,  intem- 
perate and  adulterous  master  of  the  art.  Too  many,  alas  ! 
of  our  teachers  and  performers  in  sacred  melody,  have  prov- 
ed that  they  are  deserving  of  no  better  description.  While 
numbers  are  respectable  and  merit  our  esteem,  others  ought 
to  be  driven  from  their  seats  of  affectation,  pride  and  sol- 
emn mockery,  to  employ  their  musical  talents  where  they 
are  industriously  gathering  the  meed  of  infamy  and  guilt. — > 
Let  the  organ,  the  flute,  the  violin  or  any  other  insrument 
be  my  guide  in  devotional  exercises  of  praise  rather  than 
these  miscreants  from  stews  ;  fromrgrog-shops,  and  deistical 
clubs.  If  musick  must  be  performed,  and  it  is  a  beautiful 
tand  enlivening  part  of  religious  service,  let  it  rather  be  by 

B 


C    10   ) 

an  inoffensive  instrument  than  by   a  lump  of  pollution — a 
mere  bloat  of  vanity,  though  in  the  form  of  a  man. 

Kut  it  will  be  said,  perhaps,  the  cxpence  is  too  great,  and 
societies  in  general  cannot  easily  defray  it.  I  know  not  the 
proportion  of  expence  between  such  an  instrument  as  is  now 
before  us,  and  the  frequent  expence  of  time  and  money,  in 
hiring  and'  attending  upon  a  teacher  of  musick.  But,  I 
believe,  in  the  compass  of  a  few  years,  the  balance  would 
be  in  favour  of  the  instrument  ;  and  many  societies,  by 
adopting  this  mode,  would  find  themselves  gainers  on  the 
score  of  interest.  Besides,  it  would  be  a  constant  and  un- 
varying aid  in  this  part  of  service  :  nor  would  it,  like  the  vo- 
cal singers,  desert  the  scat  assigned,  through  disgust,  or 
from  indifferencv.  On  the  construction  which  distinguishes 
the  present  noble  machine,  the  expence  is  greatly  reduced, 
and  society  is  freed  from  the  burthen  ol  an  organist. 

It  will  probably  be  further  objected,  that  it  will  serve  to 
root  out  vocal  musick,  and  discourage  an  application  to  the 
aft,  among  those  who  have  talents.  If  this  be  the  fact, 
(which  experience  alone  must  determine)  it  would  be  an 
evil  of  no  inconsiderable  magnitude.  But,  I  apprehend,  the 
objection  is  premature,  and  goes  upon  assumed  ground. 
At  any  rate,  it  is  wholly  needless  there  should  be  foundation 
for  such  an  objection.  If  experience  proves  the  correctness 
of  it,  I  will  not  contend.  However,  it  is  obvious  a  little 
care  might  be  sufficient  to  guard  against  such  an  evil.  I  am 
well  persuaded  it  must  be  easy  singing  with  such  an  instru- 
Inent  ;  and  when  once  learnt,  persons  can  with  little  difficul- 
ty keep  up  the  art  and  life  of  their  singing.  If  they  will 
.neglect,  and  zvi/l  not  cultivate  and  improve  their  voices,  no 
remedy  can  be  provided  against  the  evil.  But  it  may  be 
considered,  it  is  a  wilful  and  needless  inconvenience.  Per- 
haps, with  half  the  trouble  they  could  maintain  the  "vocal 
part.  It  is  like  having  a  skilful  chorister  with  them  continu- 
ally :  and  in  this  case,  their  singing  will  not  so  almost  in- 
stantly begin  to  flag,  when  their  teacher  hath  withdrawn. 
I  would  bv  no  means  encourage  an  inattention  to  the  culti- 
vation of  the  voice.  I  consider  it  the  life  and  beautv  of 
Psalmody,  when  rightly  performed  ;  nor  do  I  think  the  neg- 
lect ought  or  need  to  take  place,  where  the  benefit  of  an  or- 
gan is  enjoyed.  On  the  contrary,  an  increased  attention 
.and  a  more  vigorous  exertion  in  this  cause,  may  be  expect- 
ed, where  there  is  not  a  criminal  deficiency  in  the  leading 


(  11  ) 

members  of  societv.  The  success  would  stimulate  ;  and  the- 
effect  thus  produced  by  the  united  powers  of  musick  would, 
methinks,  engage  all  who  have  a  talent  for  this  soul  enliven- 
ing exercise,  to  become  adepts  in  the  art.  I  would  not, 
however,  be  too  confident,  but  leave  the  matter  to  be  tested 
by  experiment. 

A.  still  more  formidable  objection,    in  the  view  of  some, 
rises  into  notice.     It  is  this — That  instrumental  musick  is 
calculated  to  destroy  the  spirituality  of  worship,  and  root 
out  that  purity  which  ought  ever  to  distinguish  gospel  times. 
Were  I  not  persuaded  that  the  objector  is  serious  in  propo- 
sing  this  difficulty,  and  that  he  labours  under  embarrass- 
ment on  this  account,  I  would  not  tarry  to   frame  a  reply. 
Put  godly  oouls,  and  men   of  discernment,  are  clogged  in. 
their  minds   with  this  ungrateful  idea,  and  they  know  not 
how  to  get  over  this  obstacle.     I  have  not  vanity  enough  to 
think    I   can   give  them  full  relief,  but  I  have  a  persuasion 
that  the  objection  is  owing  more  to  the  prejudices  of  educa- 
tion, than  to  any  real  evil  which  exists  in  the  case.     It  may 
be  called  a  relict  of  popery,  and  an  attempt  to  carnalize  the 
worship  of  God*     But,  I  conceive  it  is  deserving  no  such 
reproach,  and  ought  not  to  lie  under  such  a  stigma.     For 
purity  and- spirituality  of  worship,  I- would  appear  a  decided 
advocate  ;  and    I    see  nothing  in  this  case  which  militate3- 
with  the  idea.     If  sound — if  the  modulation  of  the  air  in  a 
particular  manner,  is  incompatible   with  that  spiritual  wor- 
ship which  God  requires  under  the  gospel,  then  away  with 
voeal  musick  ;  away  with  all  set  forms  of  singing,  and  let 
praving  and  singing  be  performed  in   a  mute  manner,  witi* 
the  spirit  and  with  the  understanding  also,  but  without  the 
aid  of  the  voice.     If  you  admit  oral  service,  you  step  out 
of  the  regions  of  exclusive  spirituality,  and  may  as  well  pro- 
ceed one  step  further  ;  and  this  is  ail  which  is  necessary  to 
admit  that  for  which  I  plead.     Instrumental  musick,  so  far 
as  it  respects  sound,  is  notone  grade  further  from  spirituali- 
ty, than  is  vocal.     Both  have  the   same- design^  are  upon 
the  same  principles,  and  tend  to  the  same  effect. 

An  instrument  hath  not  yet  been  formed,  which  can  arti- 
culate and  pronounce  words.  But  in  this,  principally,  does 
it  vary  from  the  human  voice.  Whether  this  perfection  in 
mechanism  will  ever  be  attained  must  be  left  for  future  gen- 
erations to  decide.  It  would  be  scarcely  more  astonishing, 
than,  some  of  the  atchkvments  of  art.     But  the  want  of  arti*- 


(     M     ) 

dilation,  it  is  conceived,  is  not  essential.  If  the  air  and 
chords  are  good,  the  purpose  needed  may  be  subserved  ;  and 
tue  pious  heart,  with  words  of  devotion  and  praise  before 
the  eyes,  may  be  comforted  and  quickened  in  the  use  of  an 
instrument.  It  is  evident,  that  with  various  kinds  of  in- 
struments, godly  souls  have  been  formerly  aided  in  their 
worship;  And  I  have  full  confidence,  that  in  due  time  they 
will  agu;n  be  restored  to  their  primitive  use,  and  subserve 
their  original  design.  Has  the  Devil  seized  on  one  and  an- 
other till  he  has  carried  them  all  away  from  the  service  of 
the  Church,  and  devoted  numbers  of  them  t©  the  purposes 
of  carnal  merriment  ?  Have  they  become  drudges  in  the 
service  of  the  wicked  so  as  to  aid  in  the  frantic  revels  of  fes- 
tivity ?  Is  it  true  of  those  who  regard  not  the  xvork  of  the 
Lord,  that  "  the  harp  and  the  viol,  the  tabret  and  pipe,  and 
"  wine  are  in  their  feasts,"  and  that  in  their  social  cheer, 
they  "  rejoice  at  the  sound  of  the  organ"  ?  These,  n.y 
friends,  are  evidently  spoken  of  as  symptoms  of  degenera- 
cy ;  and  it  appears  that  in  these  cases,  a  very  improper  use 
is  made  of  these  instruments.  They  ought  to  be  restQred  to 
the  place  they  are  designed  to  hold  ;  and,  instead  of  aiding 
in  the  designs  of  wantonness  and  sensuality,  become  the 
handmaids  of  devotion  and  praise.  When  holiness  unto  the 
Lord  shall  be  upon  the  bells  of  the  horses,  there  instruments 
will,  no  doubt,  hold  a  more  dignified  station  and  be  devoted 
to  more  divine  and  noble  purposes.*  The  spirituality  of 
worship  may  be  still  maintained,  and  the  melody  of  God's 
praise  be  augmented  ;  while  instruments  of  a  suitable  struc- 
ture assist  to  form  a  band  of  sacred  musick. 

Why,  let  me  ask,  is  the  art  to  form  and  use  these  instru- 
ments given  to  men — why  are  some  raised  up  with  an  almost 
intuitive  and  perfect  knowledge  of  all  the  powers  cf  musick, 
if  no  use  is  to  be  made  of  the  art  in  any  virtuous  and  com- 
mendable way  ?  Nature  and  grace  both  claim  the  aid  of 
musick.  Nature  and  grace,  1  conceive,  both  approve  of 
that  which  is  instrumental.  And  all  the  spirituality  design- 
ed and  wished  for,  may  be  preserved  while  the  organ  swells 
the  notes  in  which  the  feelings  of  piety  are  waited  towards 
heaven.     These  instruments  will  not  be  needed  in  the  celes- 


*  It  is  not  pretended  that  a  consecration  to  God  implies  that  every 
teal  instrument  should  be  employed  in  immediate  acts  of  worship  ; 
but  that  those  which  are  proper  for  this  bi'.siness  vxaxj  and  probably  iuiU 
be  used  in  tins  way* 


(     13     ) 

tial  regions  ;  hut  while  in  the  body,  christians  may  improve 
euch  aids.  The  voice  itself  will  cease  in  death,  and  the 
eymphdny  of  heaven  will  be  suited  to  the  condition  of  the 
inhabitants.  David  might  be  as  spiritual  with  his  psaltery 
and  harp — with  his  stringed  instruments  and  organs — He 
might  praise  God  upon  the  loud  cymbals,  and  praise  him 
upon  the  highs outidirig  cymbals,  with  as  much  purity  as 
did  Paul  and  Silas,  when  ;ft  midnight  they  prayed  and  sung 
praises  to  God,  so  that  the  prisoners  heard  them.  For  my 
own  part  I  should  rejoice  to  see  a  wicked  world,  and  Satan 
at  their  head  giving  up  the  instruments  which  they  have 
surreptitiously  taken  from  the  use  of  the  Church,  and  which 
many  christiar.  people  seem  contented  to  leave  in  their 
hands,  and  having  them  again  employed  for  the  purposes 
specified  by  the  sweet  singer  of  Israel.* 

In  that  day  when  "  the  mountain  of  the  Lord's  house  shall 
u  be  established  in  the  top  of  the  mountains,  and  exalted  a- 
u  bove  the  hills" — when  the  redeemed  shall  return  and  come 
with  singing  unto  Zion ;  and  when  all  the  implements  and 
utensils  of  a  worldly  nature  shall  be  consecrated  to  God,  I 
doubt  not  the  organ  and  other  instruments  of  musick  will 
have  inscribed  upon  them  in  no  less  legible  characters — 
"  Holiness  unto  the  Lord."  But  these  sentiments  may  be 
novel  to  some,  and  unscriptural  in  the. view  of  others.  I 
can  only  say  they  give  me  comfort ;  and,  I  believe,  will  be 
more  and  more  generally  adopted,  till  every  objection  is  re- 
moved, and  the  use  of  instruments  be  universally  establish- 
ed. And  though  Popery  and  Mahometanisrn  may  have  em- 
ployed these  saaae  articles — though  they  may  have  been  de- 
voted to  the  vilest  purposes  ;  yet  they  shall  be  again  safe  and 


*  If  it  be  said  there  is  no  precept  in  the  gospel  for  instrumental  mu- 
sick, we  say  it  is  unnecessary.  In  certain  cases  it  is  deemed  accurate 
reasoning  to  plead  in  favor  of  what  hath  been  confessedly  of  divine  in- 
stitution, and  is  not  set  aside  by  any  express  interdictory  precept.  On 
this  ground  Ave  rest  the  authority  for  worshipping  as  did  David  and  oth- 
er devotional  saints,  who  were  men  after  God's  own  heart,  and  offered 
to  him  a  sacrifice  well  pleasing  in  his  sight.  The  unsettled,  impover- 
ished, and  afflicted  state  of  the  christian  church  in  the  earliest  stages  of 
its  existence,  may  be  a  sufficient  reason  why  instrumental  musick  was 
not  then  introduced  ;  without  supposing  any  change  in  the  ordinance  of 
heaven  respecting  it.  Will  any  allow  that  "  The  instruments  of  music  k 
"  used  in  the  temple-service  were  all  appointed  by  God,  and  separated 
"  from  a  profane  to  a  sacred  purpose,"  and  yet  plead  that  the  use  of 
them  under  the  gospel  is  an  "  unscriptural  practice"  ;  -when  no  prohib- 
iuuy  clause  is  adduced  from  the  writings  •:  f  the  evangelists  or  any  of  the 
apostles  ? 


C     T4     ) 

tmtontnminated  in  the  hands  of  the  Church.  I  view  it  as- 
one  of  the  symptoms  of  an  approaching  niillenium,  of  no- 
less  significancy  and  precision;  than  the  case  stated  in  the 
text. 

Let  us  now  consider  as  proposed,  III.  The  benefits  to 
be  derived  from  this  quarter.  This  artitle  hath,  to  a  con- 
siderable degree,  been  anticipated  in  the  remarks  under  a 
former  head.  But  it  mav  be  pi^per  to  observe,  that  when 
the  affections  are  cold  and  languid — when  the  mind  is  dull 
and  stupid — such  mucick  will  warm,  cheer,  and  enliven. — 
One  benefit  arising  from  instruments  is,  they  will  be  a  very 
useful  aid  to  vocal  musick.-  Another  thing  is,  they  will  so 
elevate  and  invigorate  the  services  of  God's  house  that  it 
will  be  an  inducement  for  all  to  attend  ;  and  it  will  serve  to- 
keep  them  wakeful  and  lively  while  there. 

Children  and  youth  will  have  musick,  and  that  of  the  in- 
strumental kind.  It  is  a  clictale,  and  an  innocent  dictate 
or  propensity  of  human  nature.  If  they  cannot  find  it  in 
the  house  of  God,  they  will  go  elsewhere  and  with  different 
views.  Their  intercourse  together  will  not  always  be  of  the 
most  decent  and  orderly  kind.  Let  them  have  solemn  and 
appropriate  musick  in  the  house  of  God,  and  such  as  is  cal- 
culated to  enkindle  pleasing  sensations,  they  will  have  less 
inducements  to  go  to  the  assembly  and  ball-room.  They 
tv ill  have  more  numerous  and  engaging  motives  for  going 
to  the  sanctuary  ;  and  there  in  the  circle  of  christian  parents, 
and  friends,  and  in  the  midst  of  solemn  and  religious  ser- 
vices, they  may  hear  and  acquire  some  spiritual  good. — 
Stop  them,  then,  if  possible,  by  allurement,  from  going  to 
the  abodes  of  vanity  and  mirth  ;  and  make  them  choose  the 
house  of  God  as  the  place  of  highest  entertainment  and  de- 
light. Then  your  work /seems  half  accomplished,  and  you 
may  hope  they  will  be  charmed  to  the  love  of  the  truth. — 
But,  at  any  rate,  the  soul  which  longs  to  join  the  angelic 
hosts  above,  and  is  aspiring  after  the  songs  of  the  celestial 
regions,  will,  in  this  way,  by  the  air  of  musick,  be  elevat- 
ed on  the  expanded  wings  of  faith  and  love  towards  heaven, 
and  will  catch  something  of  the  joy  which  swells  the  notes 
of  glorified  spirits.  But  I  will  not  detain  you  with  mere 
conjectures,  however  probable  the  ground  which  support* 
them. 

I  solicit  your  indulgence  a  few  minutes  longer,  ^yhile  F 
show  as  was  proposed,  IV.  What  reason  there  is  to  expect 


X  is  ) 

"ihat'in  due  time  these  benefits  will  be  realized' and  musick 
ef  this  kind  go  into  universal  use.      i 

I  have  stated  what  appears  to  be  the  force  of  the  text  on 
this  subject.  Had  it  been  mentioned  only  that  men  and  their 
property,  generally,  were  to  be  devoted  to  God,  we  might 
still  be  at  a  loss  as  to  the  use  to  be  made  of  certain  ai-ts. — » 
But  bv  going  so  far  as  to  name  one  of  the  lowest  and  most 
'indifferent  articles  ;  it  is  justifiable,  I  conceive,  to  admit 
the  conclusion  that  hath  been  drawn,  and  maintain  that  all 
things,  even  those  "^n  most  common  and  familiar  use,- shall 
be  consecrated  to  god.  I  further  ask,  what  other  possible 
vse  is  it  reasonable  to  suppose  will  ox  can  be  made  of  them 
than  that  which  hath  been  pointed  out  ?  The  art  of  making 
and  using  instruments  ofinausick  will  doubtless  remain  and 
be  carried  to  great  perfection  in  the  millenium,  far  beyond 
■what  is  at  present  known  in  the  world ;  even  by  the  most 
refined  and  highly  cultivated  nations.  If  this  be  the  case, 
will  this  art,  and  these  instruments,  remain  useless  ?  There 
will  be  none  to  employ  them  as  now  in  the  gambols  of  van- 
ity— none  who  will  have  a  desire  for  those  merry  meetings 
where  the  -violm  strikes  the  heart-strings  of  jovial  gaiety, 
?nd  incites  to  the  nimble  movements  of  the  ball-room.  No 
frolicksome  youth — no  sons  of  mirth  who  have  grown  wrink- 
led and  grey  in  the  apartments  of  folly  and  vice.  All  will 
be  religiously  -inclined,  and  religiously  employed.  "  All 
"  shall  know  the  Lord,  from  the  least  of  them  unto  the 
"**  greatest  of  them,1'  and  their  desire  will  be  to  meet,  adore, 
praise  and  magnif}'  the  living  God.  In  this  case  no  other 
use  but  that  of  a  religious  kind  will  be  found  for  any  instru- 
ment or  article  whatever.  I  suppose,  further,  that  every 
aid  for  religious  purposes  will  be  improved.  And  since  in- 
struments of  musick  are  so  happily  calculated  to  subserve 
this  end,  I  am  ready  to  conclude  they  will  be  in  extensive, 
if  not  universal  use.  Then  all  the  benefits  resulting  or  to  be  • 
derived  from  them,  will  be  felt  and  realized.  The  high- 
sounding  cymbals  and  the  majestic  sounding  organ,  with 
other  instruments  of  melodious  and  melliffiuous  sound,  shall 

elevate  and  enrapture  the  songs  of  Zion. 1  have  only  to 

ask  you  further  to  apply  the  subject. 

I  have  been  invited  to  attend  and  administer  on  this  oc- 
casion. With  some  reluctance  and  diffidence  I  have  under- 
taken. To  what  acceptance  and  with  what  success,  it  now 
remains  for  my  hearers  to  determine.     My  reluctance  prin- 


\ 


(  l«  ) 

opatty  arose  from  the  novelty  of  the  scene  and  my  own  con- 
scious inadequacy  to  the  service.  This  hath  been  called  by 
many,  the  Dedication  of  an  Organ,  or,  the  consecration  of 
this  instrument  of  musick  to  the  service  of  God.  This  hath 
been  considered  a  low  business,  and  undeserving  such  sol- 
emn parade.  I  would  rather  consider  it  as  a  meeting  to 
hear  this  instrument  of  musick,  and  worship  together  in  the 
use  of  it.  I  hope  none  have  been  disgusted  with  the-strong 
expressions  of  approbation  and  confidence  respecting  this 
kind  of  musick  which  have  been  used.  It  may  be,  none  are 
edified,  or  altered  in  their  opinion,  , by  the  remarks  which 
have  been  made.  I  am  thankful,  however,  for  such  a  seri- 
ous and  respectful  attention  ;  and  am  pleased  also  with  the 
opportunity  I  have  of  seeing  you  in  this  temple  of  the  most 
High  God,  and  hearing  the  sacred  musick  which  swells 
within  these  walls.  Indifferent  is  it  with  me  whether  this 
be  called  a  Dedication  of  an  Organ,  or  a  meeting  to  worship 
God  with  the  aid  of  this  instrument.  I  am  willing  it  should 
be  dedicated,  and  forever  remain  and  be  employed  in  this 
house.  This  however  must  depend  en  the  people.  And  if  they 
procure  it  for  this  purpose  and  devote  it  to  this  use,  it  will 
be,  as  the  face  of  it  declares,  "  Lans  Deo,"  i.  e.  Praise  to 
God. 

The  self-taught  and  ingenious  constructor*  of  this  curious 
machine,  while  he  has  the  admiration,  deserves  also,  I  con- 
ceive, the  applause  of  the  public,  and  the  gratitude  of  the 
church.  The  improvements  made,  by-  which  the  whole  af- 
fair is  so  simplified  and  rendered  familiar  to  the  accommo- 
dation and  benefit  of  all,  increases  the  astonishment,  lessens 
the  expensiveness,  and  enhances  greatly  the  value.  I  am  not 
a  stoical  hearer  of  this  melody.  My  liveliest  sensibilities 
are  awakened.     The  thrilling  sweetness — the  symphonious 


*  Mr.  Erastus  Wattles,  of  Lebanon. 
This  organ  is  of  that  kind  which  is  called  a  barrel  or  hand  organ  ; 
but  of  uncommonly  large  size  :  its  largest  pipe  is  twelve  feet  in  length  : 
»  it  has  ten  stops,  two  of  them  of  reed  pipes  :'it  is  so  constructed,  that 

cither  part  of  a  tune  may  be  performed  alone  or  with  accompaniments  ; 
end  likewise  either  part  may  be  made  to  take  the  lead,  at  the  pleasure 
of  the  person  performing  :  in  these  respects  it  is  believed  to  differ  from 
all  other  organs  of  the  kind.  Its  superior  advantages  to  organs  com- 
monly used  in  churches,  must  at  once  appear:  on  this  all  parts  of  a 
tune  may  be  performed  together;  on  them  but  two,  except  by  very  few 
Ifetota  ;  beside*,  any  person,  with  but  a  moderate  acquaintaince  with 
musick,  may  perform  on  this  or^an ;  and  thus,  the  whole  expense  of  an 
crgaui'st  is  saved. 


C   rr  ) 

Siarmony ;  tog-ether  with  the  sublime  grandeur  and  majesty 
of  the  musick,  leave  the  soul  well  nigh  absorbed  in  extacy. 
At  the  portals  of  exit  it  stands  waiting,  under  the  influence 
of  an  almost  yielding  propensity  to  quit  this  feeble  tenement 
in  which  it  is  imprisoned,  and  fly  to  regions  of  more  expan- 
sive, vigorous,  and  joyful  exercise.  When  all  the  melting 
powers  of  sound  unite,  and  with  resistless  energy  dissolve 
the  willing  mind,  who  does  not  feel  an  elevating  desire  to 
leap  up,  and  accelerate  his  course  to  the  mansions  of  glory  j 
there  to  join  that  seraphic  choir,  who  once,  near  these  re- 
gions of  sin,  sorrow  and  death,  sweetened  the  air  with  an- 
gelic symphony  ;  while,  with  celestial  ardor  they  sang, 
"*'  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good-zviU 
*'  tozvards  men."  O,  with  what  exultation,  must  those  en- 
ter the  society  of  the  blessed,  who  are  prepared  to  join  in 
their  anthems  ! 

But  although  I  plead  for  instrumental  musick,  and  believe 
it  will  go  into  future  and  extensive  use  in  the  Church  ;  yet 
do  not  imagine  that  I  consider  this  the  principal  thing  ;  or 
would  have  you  confine  your  chief  attention  to  this.  No, 
my  hearers — neither  the  voice,  nor  the  organ,  however  me- 
lodious, will  be  acceptable  to  Godvnthout  the  heart.  I 
would  invite  you  all,  therefore,  to  devote  your  hearts  to  him, 
who  is  the  object  of  your  praise.  You  must  sing  with  grace 
in  your  hearts  unto  the  Lord  ;  even  when  the  organ  is  aid- 
ing your  songs.  To  render  your  service  complete,  you 
must  "  sing  with  the  spirit  and  with  the  understanding  also." 
See  then  that  when  you  stand  up  in  this  holy  place,  your  af- 
fections are  right  with  God  and  prepared  to  strike  in  unison 
with  his  truth.  While  you  comfort  and  enliven  one  another 
with  the  voice  and  with  the  sound  of  this  instrument,  let 
your  souls  go  forth  in  such  a  manner  that  you  shall  make 
melody  unto  the  Lord.  Then  may  you,  in  a  spiritual  sense, 
be  dignified  with  the  title  of  "  singing  men  and  singing 
**  women." 

Methinks  since  musick  is  so  principal  a  part  of  the  em- 
ployment in  heaven,  those  who  hope  to  arrive  in  that  bles- 
sed world  should  do  their  utmost  to  encourage  this  noble 
art.  Do  I  think  you  will  sing  there  just  jn  the  manner  you 
do  in  this  world  ?  By  no  means.  I  have  no  such  groveling 
conceptions  of  Heaven.  But  I  believe  the  same  subjects 
will  form  the  matter  of  song.  Deliverance  from  sin  and 
woe — assimilation  to  God — admission  into  his  presence,  and 

C 


(     18     > 

participation  of  his  favour,  will  excite  the  liveliest  gratitude, 
and  swell  the  most  joyful  note.  O  the  blessedness  of  see- 
ing God  and  praising  him  forever  !  This  is  Heaven — this  is 
happiness  complete.  In  this  world,  what  glorious  times 
when  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  fill  the  earth  as  the 
waters  fill  the  sea — when  from  the  rising  of  the  sun  even 
unto  the  going  down  of  the  same,  God's  name  shall  be  mag- 
nified !  If  religion  is  to  enter  into  all  the  concerns  of  life — 
if  the  glory  of  God  is  to  regulate  all  the  movements  of  men 
— if  all  are  to  drink  into  one  spirit — be  comforted  with  one 
hope — be  employed  in  one  worship  and  walk  by  the  same 
rule,  what  a  heaven  upon  earth  !  Holiness  unto  the  Lord 
shall  be  upon  men,  women,  children,  houses,  lands,  and 
all  the  possessions  of  men.  Intruments  of  musick — every 
signal  of  approach,  and  all  the  appendages  of  life  shall  have 
this  holy  motto. 

Let  me  then  look  around  and  see  this  whole  assembly 
dedicating  themselves  to  GOD.  Let  me  see  this  choir  of 
singers  rise ;  and,  aided  by  yonder  instrument  of  praise, 
let  me  not  fail  to  hear  them,  with  united  voices  and  pipes, 
shout  before  this  enraptured  concourse,  "  Loud  Halle- 

"  LUJAHS  TO  THE  L0RD."# 

*  On  pronouncing  these  last  words,  according  to  a  previous  agree-  • 
ment,  the  singers  rose  ;  the  organ  sounded,  and  instantly  the  whole 
house  was  full  of  melody  The  audience  were  at  once  surprised  into  a 
pleasing  extacy,  and  the  elevating  power  of  musick  was  felt  to  an  unu- 
sual degree  ;  while  the  closing  words  of  the  Sermon,  with  several  suc- 
ceeding lines  and  stanzas,  were  sung  in  an  enchanting  manner. 


p 


oS> 


PA 


3~s 


/ 

9/ 


